Summer is around the corner. It’s the time of the year again when we fill our days with trips to the beach and dips in the pool. It’s also the season to double our sun protection efforts. We also need to remember that our sunburn protection routine should not be limited to our family members only, but should also include our furry friends as well.
Yes, you heard it right. Our pooches deserve some sunscreen loving too. After all, they are sensitive to excessive heat especially during the intense hours in the day. Here are some of the most important stuff that you need to keep in mind when looking after your cuddly canines.
Watch our for these signs and see if your dog is suffering from sunburn
The first thing that you should check in your four-legged friend is skin redness, which occurs as early as one hour after outdoor exposure and lasts for at least three days. Watch out for inflammation on the nose, at the back, or around the eyes. If your pet jerks whenever you pat the affected area, then you need to invest in animal-friendly sunscreen for dogs.
Other symptoms include irritability and frequent barking, your dog’s way of letting you know that it is in pain. In worse cases, skin flaking and blistering can appear, and at this stage, your pet will need professional veterinary intervention.
How to avoid sunburn and have a healthy sun-loving pet
It is best to take measures and use sunscreen for dogs, including the nose and other body parts to ensure that your pup gets all the protection it needs. If your dog has a thinning coat, the heat can easily get in contact with its skin so it is important that you apply animal-friendly SPF lotion before taking him/her outside. Do the same if your pooch has natural bald spots or if it belongs to any of these breeds: Chinese crested, Dalmatian, Beagle, Whippet, Dogo Argentino, white bulldog, or white boxer. Remember that unlike other varieties, they are more prone to skin problems because of their coat, or the lack thereof.
Nevertheless, thick-coated canines are not exempted from sunscreen application especially if they are the type who love to lie down under the sun for long hours. As they bathe under the harsh sunlight, they risk developing tumors between the belly and hind legs as well as developing skin cancers.
Always choose a natural sunscreen for dog so as to avoid intoxicating your pet. If you cannot find any in a store near you, opt for SPF lotions made for human babies or for sensitive skin. Make sure to test the product on a small area on your pooch’s body to make sure there are no allergies. Better yet, visit your veterinarian for highly recommended sunscreens. This way you can help your pet avoid any UV-related issues that could have an effect on its overall physical health.